Nicholas Nickleby

a novel by Charles Dickens, published serially 1838-39. It is the story of a youth who is left fatherless, and with mother and sister makes a successful struggle against poverty and the attempt of an uncle to defraud him of his rights. Dickens aimed to expose in this story the cheap boarding schools so common in England at that time. Dotheboys Hall with its master, Wackford Squeers, is a vivid picture of the Yorkshire schools and was influential in bringing about improvements. Nicholas Nickleby is a favorite among Dickens' stories, especially with boys and girls.

I know one child who, when she is happy, reads Nicholas Nickleby; when she is unhappy, reads Nicholas Nickleby; when she is tired, reads Nicholas Nickleby; when she is in bed, reads Nicholas Nickleby; when she has nothing to do, reads Nicholas Nickleby; and when she has finished the book, reads Nicholas Nickleby over again.-Thackeray.